Roger Federer-‘There’s so much more to life’

Roger Federer is known for his calm demeanour on the court. However, how good do most of these professional players get on with each other off the court? Federer revealed that he had a pretty good rapport with Rafael Nadal, despite the fierce rivalry that existed between them. ‘I just think it’s nice to respect each other and be friendly to each other’, said Federer. ‘I’m sure it rubbed off on Rafa.’

Federer recalled his experiences with the previous generation and says that back then the top players were really friendly and helpful during his early days, which helped him establish a good relationship with them. ‘When I also came on tour, I felt it was pretty friendly, especially also (Andre) Agassi towards the end of his career’, said Federer. ‘I only know that part really. He was always very friendly’, Pete (Sampras) was maybe not speaking as much, but he was friendly, too’. He also added, ‘You obviously had (Carlos) Moya, (Tim) Henman, so many other guys who stuck around for such a long time who really were very welcoming for the young guys as well to be on tour.’

‘I always thought it was actually quite nice to be nice to younger generations coming in instead of making them feel like this is going to be hell for you’, said Federer.  ‘I think when they see the two of us being the biggest rivals in the sport actually to speak to each other and be somewhat friendly, I think that rubs off to other players as well, actually thinking tennis is a fierce sport, a tough sport, but at the end of the day it’s only a sport’. Federer is known to be very jovial and carefree when he mingles with the new players on the tour. He is currently participating in the second rubber of the Laver Cup, from which Rafael Nadal has opted out of. Nadal has also withdrawn from the Asian swing, citing knee related issues as well as fatigue.